Residents snap up water, gear as hurricane approaches

Costco in Iwilei was filled with people buying water, food and other supplies Tuesday in preparation for two approaching storms. Oscar Nguyen, left, and his cousin Carolyn Phan waited for Carolyn’s mother, Vang Nguyen, who went back in the store for more items.

People jammed the City Mill in Iwilei on Tuesday, buying supplies in preparation for the two approaching storms. From left, customer Larry Chun, sales associate Aaron Chinen, and safety and facilities manager Frank Suster carted two generators out of the store, one for Chun and the other for another customer.

The Kakaako resident is stocking up enough food and water for her family of 10, including children and grandchildren, who live across the island, but will stay at her Hokua condominium to wait out the coming storm.

"I'm just preparing for the worst, hoping for the best," said Cline, 45, who also runs a housing service for corporate clients. "They all come to my house because my building has generators. I also have corporate clients and they have no idea how to plan. I just have a lot of people to take care of."

News that Hurricane Iselle appears to be taking aim at the Hawaiian Islands with another powerful storm following closely behind caused a mad rush at Costco in Iwilei on Tuesday.

"I wanted to be prepared for everybody; just in case the other guys never buy water, I get extra for them," Rafael said of the dozen family members who live at his home. "I was looking at the news and seen the eye of the storm coming towards Hawaii so it's better to be prepared. I'm sort of panicking."

The big-box giant sold at least 3,000 cases of water in the morning and had run out of water by noon. One shopper even begged to buy a case from Cline.

"(Other customers) were snarling and glaring and giving us bad looks," she said once water ran out at Costco. "People were trying to take water off the pallet jacks while the employees were moving them. There was a little panic in the store."

In the first 45 minutes after opening, Costco had about twice as many shoppers Tuesday as it did the day before with lines out the door, said Scott Ankrom, Costco's assistant general manager, adding that the store sold in two days as much as it typically does in a week.

"We're doing everything we can to get merchandise into the building," he said.

At City Mill, "It's been a zoo," said Steven Ai, president and CEO. "Even though it's been a big rush, everybody seems to be very polite. We've had a steady stream of customers buying typical hurricane prevention supplies."

Frenzied customers bought flashlights, propane and generators, which were sold out early Tuesday afternoon. Sales for the kamaaina retailer were up between 40 percent and 50 percent over the past two days compared with a typical week, Ai said.

"We've been pulling things out of our warehouse and ordered extra from suppliers," he said.

Mike Ward, owner of Aloha Power Equipment, sold 100 generators totaling roughly $100,000 since Monday after a line of people stormed the shop.

"We have one generator left (the biggest 10,000-watt generator)," he said.

Typically the retailer sells two or three generators a day. Ward expedited another 150 emergency generators that will be on the island in about a week.

"This time around it seems worse," he said. "We sold everything out early. People seem to be unusually panicking. Normally they wait a day before it hits, but I guess people are so convinced it's gonna hit they're acting now. The weatherman must be scaring everyone with his forecast."

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falsewrote:

Jeanie Cline, 15 cases of water. You 14 other people must suffer without water!

on August 6,2014 | 04:58AM

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falsewrote:

Being prepared is providing for a whole family. If you didn't start a week ago you have yourself to blame. Weather profiling is available at the click of an app. So do your homework and buy the material you need for your family, for your block. Good luck to all you pv owners.

on August 6,2014 | 05:52AM

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localguywrote:

PV owners? We already know if the power goes out we also go down. Thanks to HECO using the cheapest wooden poles possible and no world class termite protection, expect their poles to do what they do best, go down like 10 pins. I read where in San Diego, a small charge was added to everyone's monthly bill. Funds collected are used solely to underground as many lines as possible. Reducing maintenance, damage from car crashes, (unless they hit the new box, hehehe" and other issues. Sad to say HECO hasn't got a clue on this. Just sticking it to rate payers to over bonus their clueless CEO.

on August 6,2014 | 08:21AM

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Mei meiwrote:

AGREED!

on August 6,2014 | 10:20AM

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Wazdatwrote:

AGREE. HECO should have been putting ALL power lines underground. Amazing that they NEVER learn.

on August 6,2014 | 11:02AM

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copperwire9wrote:

You'd have screamed bloody murder if they'd tried to raise your rates to pay for that and you know it.

on August 7,2014 | 12:51AM

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ScottKaalelewrote:

What exactly is a "housing service for corporate clients?"

on August 6,2014 | 05:09AM

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localguywrote:

Not going to touch that line. Way too dangerous. heheheh

on August 6,2014 | 07:25AM

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ellinaskyrtwrote:

Corporate clients who come to Hawaii for extended assignments that are too long to stay at a hotel for but not long enough to justify renting a place.

on August 6,2014 | 01:30PM

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glenn57377wrote:

Oh, I forgot the gas lines. People don't realize how scary this is. In a dire contingency that goes on for a long time, people will ramp up quickly to each man for himself......and that gets real ugly.

on August 6,2014 | 02:40PM

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lokelawrote:

People are losing it already and the storm not here yet. The shelves look like California. Drought. No panic people. You only making it worse on yourselves as well as others. Water raging ain't worth it.

on August 6,2014 | 05:35AM

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falsewrote:

Storms back to back could make for a super storm. What are the chances? Some of us are going to hurt bad.

on August 6,2014 | 05:53AM

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localguywrote:

Sharknado 2 coming to the Nei.

on August 6,2014 | 07:25AM

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GONEGOLFINwrote:

And you realize the 2nd is moving faster than the 1st. They going to hook up and form 1 super-storm just as it hits the islands.

on August 6,2014 | 09:01AM

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ellinaskyrtwrote:

NOAA said there is zero chance that Iselle and Julio will merge into one storm.

on August 6,2014 | 01:32PM

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glenn57377wrote:

Look on a current map. No two storms are anywhere near each other.

on August 6,2014 | 02:41PM

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glenn57377wrote:

You are so right. However, history has proven over and over again that human panic overpowers logic every time. With water, Spam, tissue and rice being plentiful........there is never a reason to not be stocked up. Simply consume and replace. This wait until the storm is knocking on your door mentality is an embarrassing attitude reflecting on the residents that live here and go through this drill often. Excuse me while I go fill my pool with drinking water.

on August 6,2014 | 02:37PM

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Poipounder808wrote:

Seems like the aloha spirit disappears when it comes to preparing for a hurricane. I was shopping at Safeway and waited patiently behind a woman as she grabbed 21 gallon containers of water and left me with two...

on August 6,2014 | 05:43AM

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falsewrote:

Why did you wait this long to get ready? Two weeks ago it was the same story

on August 6,2014 | 05:54AM

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Poipounder808wrote:

I actually have plenty of supplies, I just thought it was indicative of the lack of the aloha spirit.

on August 6,2014 | 10:16AM

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SueHwrote:

It's a "me, me, me" society.

on August 6,2014 | 10:10AM

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Mei meiwrote:

thats for fricken sure!!

on August 6,2014 | 10:21AM

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MANDAwrote:

Why do adults not already have the basics stocked up? I can't believe people don't have enough paper products, food, and water for a few days.

on August 6,2014 | 05:51AM

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tmcmahelwrote:

because food stamps just arrived

on August 6,2014 | 12:54PM

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RetiredWorkingwrote:

Why buy water? Why don't people fill up their empties with tap water?

on August 6,2014 | 06:17AM

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localguywrote:

People forget their house has a 40 or more gallon water heater filled with fresh drinking water. Sad.

on August 6,2014 | 07:26AM

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kraid808wrote:

However, before they use it they need to check two things: 1) Do I have a water softener? and 2) Is the water cooled down? If they have a water softener, the water cannot be used for drinking. Also, people need to ensure that the water has cooled down to avoid being scalded.

on August 6,2014 | 08:31AM

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Big Cwrote:

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, more than 85 percent of the United States geography has hard water. While many consumers use a water softener so they can enjoy the benefits of soft water, there is some confusion about whether softened water is safe to drink.
Some consumers are concerned that drinking softened water will increase the level of sodium in their diet. Despite the myth, softening your water will not result in salty-tasting water. Sodium bicarbonate, which is different from sodium chloride (table salt), is formed through the water softening process.
The amount of sodium added to water from the water softening process depends on the hardness of the water supply. When very hard water (greater than 10 grains of hardness per gallon) is softened, only approximately 20mg of sodium is added to every 8 ounces of water. For comparison, an 8-ounce glass of low-fat milk contains about 120mg of sodium, a 12-ounce can of diet soda contains about 40mg, and an 8-ounce glass of orange juice contains about 25mg.

on August 6,2014 | 09:32AM

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localguywrote:

Ok to drink. http://www.culliganmidmissouri.com/methods-and-benefits-of-treated-water/is-softened-water-safe-to-drink/ Just check with your doctor if you have a medical condition that may be an issue.

on August 6,2014 | 03:07PM

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SueHwrote:

It's called panic and hype, fueled by the media looking for a sensational story.

on August 6,2014 | 10:11AM

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surfertwins95wrote:

Okay people buying generators and other items that they need. Good to be prepared! But say the hurricane does NOT hit. Then you will see all these same people returning the generators and other items for refund! Just like "Superbowl" they go buy the huge televisions and then have party and then return the tv to the stores...... How many of these hoarders going end up selling their case bottle water for insane prices to others..... Come on people where's the Aloha!!!!!!!

on August 6,2014 | 06:19AM

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PTFwrote:

I have two portable generators that I bought years ago. They come in handy when on a picnic or a camping trip. I can't see why the people can't just buy food containers and fill it with tap water. What did we all do 30-40 years ago when we went camping? No bottled water was around those days.

on August 6,2014 | 12:08PM

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glenn57377wrote:

That is so funny, and I have seen it. People returning all the commodities. Water, Spam, rice and tissue. Like they are never going to need it in the future, anyway.

on August 6,2014 | 02:44PM

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McCullywrote:

I hope all these people keep their items and don't go back to Costco to return after. All stores should charge a 20% restocking charge for return items.

on August 6,2014 | 06:52AM

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localguywrote:

More like 50%. Not their fault people panic. Plus items like drinking water you never know how they stored it.

on August 6,2014 | 07:28AM

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Mei meiwrote:

honestly, there should be a policy in place you buy it, you keep it... (especially when it's during these "storms"

on August 6,2014 | 10:23AM

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PTFwrote:

Do the right thing and donate it to the Hawaii Food Bank.

on August 6,2014 | 12:09PM

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goodvibrationswrote:

That's a great idea!

on August 6,2014 | 02:21PM

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localguywrote:

Exactly!!!

on August 6,2014 | 03:08PM

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Publicbraddahwrote:

A rare, positive comment. Thanks PTF!

on August 6,2014 | 05:07PM

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livinginhawaiiwrote:

I have to laugh at the ignorance of all the people buying water. We will know approximately 12 hours out if a hurricane is going to hit. We keep several large empty buckets in storage and will fill them with water in the event a 12 hour warning occurs. Our buckets by far exceed the water Jeanie Cline wasted her money on.

on August 6,2014 | 07:05AM

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HIEwrote:

That seems like a logical plan, but it has a huge flaw. What if your house is destroyed (i.e. roof flies off, windows all smashed in, house flooded, etc.)? Can you easily take those buckets with you to an emergency shelter? Better idea is to use refillable 5-gallon jugs that can be sealed and carried. There are jugs now with molded in handles to make transport easy.

on August 6,2014 | 07:43AM

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livinginhawaiiwrote:

Yea for anyone in a house that does not have the current hurricane reinforcing the jugs would be a better idea. Jeannie Cline, like many residents here, lives in a newer building where this is only a concern if you live on the first two or three floors where projectiles could smash the windows...

on August 6,2014 | 10:15AM

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SueHwrote:

And WHY does the newspaper do stories on these idiots, profiling them as super-prepared heroes, when all they're doing is behaving like lemmings driven by Chicken LIttle Mentality: "The sky is falling! The sky is falling!"

on August 6,2014 | 10:14AM

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Mei meiwrote:

sooo true!!!!

on August 6,2014 | 10:23AM

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richierichwrote:

My guess is, it's so we know where to look if we need water.

on August 6,2014 | 02:49PM

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localguywrote:

How quickly people panic, failing to take a look at what is around them. Back in the 60s in school, we watched a hurricane preparedness film I still remember today. Camera followed the home owner as they scrubbed out all the bath tubs in the home, sealed the drains, then filled with water. Huge supply of water to bucket bath and flush the toilet. Also showed them hooking a hose up to their water heater, 40 gallons or more of fresh, drinkable water when they need it. Some people haven't got a clue what to do, run around like chicken little, screaming, "The sky is falling, the sky is falling." Give me a break.

on August 6,2014 | 07:24AM

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HIEwrote:

That's assuming your house survives intact, which is a dangerous assumption. You're not chicken little, but you're the pig who builds the straw house....

on August 6,2014 | 07:45AM

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localguywrote:

Only homes I would worry about are in the older areas of Kalihi, Wahiawa, other areas where homes only have single wall construction. Other homes will do just fine as this is not a major hurricane as Florida has experienced. However, due to our bureaucrats willfully failing to adopt hurricane construction standards decades ago, 10s of thousands of homes may be wiped out when the big one hits.

on August 6,2014 | 08:25AM

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jotobuddy123wrote:

People are just so lame. Why people hoard toilet paper is beyond me. Panic buying in the face of what will amount to passing trade showers is stupid. Nothing will happen to Oahu other than a passing trade shower. The Big Island might have a little more rain and wind but nothing that out of the ordinary. Someone may have to call 911 for Guy Hagi and Justin Cruz because they'll be having conniptions watching and reporting on every movement of the storm - oops, I mean trade showers. Those of us who have lived here forever, have been through this drill one too many times. It gets real old after a while. The SA and guys like Hagi pour fuel on a small hibachi fire making it into wildfire. The storm is weakening. The only thing Trade Shower Iselle and Julio bring to these islands is humidity.

on August 6,2014 | 07:42AM

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Morimotowrote:

Couldn't have said it better myself. I always keep a case of water at home just in case and I already have canned food but I'm pretty sure these "storms" will end up just as you said.

on August 6,2014 | 09:30AM

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CriticalReaderwrote:

Water service will be the last thing to go down. And, if it does, the National guard will be handing out cases of bottled water (no bottle fee!). Electricity is the bigger problem. Why? HECO. Watch, neighborhoods' power will start going down hours before the storm even hits. Kahala and Manoa won't.

on August 6,2014 | 09:41AM

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Morimotowrote:

Probably right but being that water is the single most important item for short term survival, I just keep a case on hand. You can probably go a week just eating what food you have in your house. Lack of electricity is a major inconvenience but you can survive without it.

on August 6,2014 | 10:50AM

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goodvibrationswrote:

Studies have shown people can go without food for over 2 weeks, but only 3 days without fresh water. Save the water from your tap like our parents did in the past....

on August 6,2014 | 02:25PM

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localguywrote:

We all have seen people in the Nei who could probably go a month without eating. :)

on August 6,2014 | 03:09PM

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tmcmahelwrote:

i was thinking the same thing about toilet paper hoarding. dont understand it. do people actually s-h-i-t more during a hurricance?
i also saw a list that said an "essential" is rice. you need to cook rice with water, the same precious water you are hoarding??
why not buy water, fresh fruit (that dont require fridge), some sandwich supplies, and relax people. you wont need more toilet paper.

on August 6,2014 | 01:02PM

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awahanawrote:

Here we see the wonderful Aloha Spirit of the isles. NOT.

A place where we're 90% dependent on imported food and supplies. Can you imagine how bad it will be then? Wrestling? Weapons?

Something so manini and people freak out. Because we got so many ethnic cultures that are from places of panic. Selfish. Greedy. Uneducated. There I said what people are thinking.

No matter how much you work, how much money you make, you are blowing it all on lolo spending. Need to be more akamai. PV. EV. Aquaponics.

We have 6 barrels of filtered water in the backyard I just filled over the weekend.

on August 6,2014 | 07:59AM

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justmyview371wrote:

Yeah, I need 28 cases of food and water for my 3 kids. Wouldn't that will last year for a long time?

on August 6,2014 | 08:09AM

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kraid808wrote:

No. If it's a standard case of water, it is only one gallon. If you need a gallon per day for seven days and have four people that's just enough water.

on August 6,2014 | 08:32AM

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localguywrote:

We will remind you of this when you have no food to eat or T P to wipe your o k o l e. Sell you a roll for $25.

on August 6,2014 | 08:27AM

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localguywrote:

Reminder when the power goes out the cell towers may also go down, no ATM access, take out cash now. Full car gas tanks, barbecue propane tanks filled. Think ahead and you will do fine.

on August 6,2014 | 08:29AM

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Big Cwrote:

I just hope that all of these "hoarder" don't return the unused items after the storm.
It is not fair to the stores and other individuals that may have wanted to have a case/pack of water/toilet paper/batteries, just as a backup.

on August 6,2014 | 09:27AM

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CriticalReaderwrote:

Selling all the generators because of no confidence in HECO. Let's see if they come through this time.

on August 6,2014 | 09:38AM

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Morimotowrote:

I just like to watch the weather reporters on the various news channels get all worked up over these storms. This is when they have a chance to show off all their knowledge and whip people into a frenzy over the apocalyptic storms that are coming. I say these storms will amount to nothing more than heavy showers and winds equivalent to a breezy day, at least on Oahu. Big Island might see a little more but on Oahu nothing will happen.

on August 6,2014 | 09:39AM

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jotobuddy123wrote:

What is somebody supposed to do with 28 cases of water after the so called "storm" passes with nary a roar? Either he owns a small retail outlet like a liquor store where he can resell the items or he's going back to Costco to return them. Which reminds me that I won't be buying water or toilet paper from them for a while.

on August 6,2014 | 09:40AM

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Bullywrote:

Chickens running around "the sky is falling"

on August 6,2014 | 09:50AM

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lowtone123wrote:

No get nuts!

on August 6,2014 | 10:11AM

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Damiawrote:

All these people are going to be back at the stores returning everything next week. What a hassle for the workers at these stores.

on August 6,2014 | 10:19AM

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Damiawrote:

People must go number 2 more often during a storm to hoard toilet paper.

on August 6,2014 | 10:22AM

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Skylerwrote:

Jeanie Cline, after this blows over we'll probably see you in the returns line, too - right?

on August 6,2014 | 10:43AM

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Jonaswrote:

Man, when I read stories like this, I think people are so ridiculous. Nothing wrong with preparing, but really?!?! How many cases of water do you need? And from what I understand, water cannot be returned. And if I was a store owner, I wouldn't take anything back that was bought due to "panic." Absolutely ridiculous people.

on August 6,2014 | 11:12AM

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Morimotowrote:

Agree, if you're really worried you should just always keep a case of water on hand for emergencies. You probably have enough food in your house to last a few days anyways. These things should already be in your house. People who wait until the last minute to panic buy are like chickens without a head.

on August 6,2014 | 12:00PM

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jotobuddy123wrote:

I read online at KHON that a guy sold $100,000 worth of generators on Oahu since Monday. I repeat, this in on Oahu. The other guy in Waimanalo bout 28 cases of water. I repeat, he's in Waimanalo. I also read there is still a pretty good supply of water, rice and perishables on the Big Island. It seems nuts that some guy in Waimanalo buys 28 cases of water when it appears those on the Big Island are staying calm. I wish the people on Oahu would realize no need panic, unless you feel the need to panic buy during trade showers. Geez..

on August 6,2014 | 01:06PM

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PTFwrote:

The guy that sold $100,000 worth of generators is Mike Ward the owner of Aloha Power Equipment.

on August 6,2014 | 02:17PM

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jotobuddy123wrote:

Good for him. I hope he has a no return policy.

on August 6,2014 | 02:22PM

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PTFwrote:

Hoarding at it's finest.

on August 6,2014 | 12:49PM

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Billytherwrote:

I'm amazed at people buying water. Doesn't say it will rain 7 - 12 inches,etc Put a container in the yard or tilt your head towards the sky and open your mouth ---should be plenty clean water and free. Mental midgets!

on August 6,2014 | 03:25PM

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Damiawrote:

I haven't gone to the store to buy anything and don't need too. You should have everything already all year long.
Tip, line a 30 gal. trash can with a 30 gal. trash bag, fill it up with water. You have approximately 10 cases of a 24 pack 16oz. bottled water. You have plenty of drinking water and water to flush your toilet. No need bottled water.

on August 6,2014 | 12:49PM

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Damiawrote:

I always have enough things for an emergency. I don't have to go to the store at all. Everyone should have emergency kits ready all year round. What if a tsunami comes you may not have enough time to go to the store.

on August 6,2014 | 01:19PM

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Damiawrote:

Line a 30 gal. trash can with a 30 gal. trash bag, fill with water. You have approximately 10 cases of a 24 pack 16oz. bottle water for drinking, cooking and flushing the toilet. You don't need bottled water.

on August 6,2014 | 01:23PM

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localguywrote:

I think I would use more than one bag and perhaps line the trash can with a blanket. Anything to prevent the water bags from leaking from sharp edges in the can. Or just buy a new trash plastic trash can. Works for me.

on August 6,2014 | 03:11PM

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Damiawrote:

Everyone should have an emergency kit all year round. If a tsunami was to hit, you may not have enough time to go to the store.

on August 6,2014 | 01:33PM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

I heard the Zombie Apocalypse was coming.

on August 6,2014 | 02:59PM

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localguywrote:

Even the SfFy channel couldn't see Sharknado 2 merging with the Zombie Apocalypse on the Nei. We could have Zombie sharks!! We are doomed!!! hehehe

on August 6,2014 | 03:14PM

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sailfish1wrote:

Let's see now - I need 10 cases of beer, 10 cases of wine, 20 cases of spam, 50 bags of potato chips, a generator, 50 lbs or rice, a new rice cooker, and, oh yeah! a new big screen tv. Anybody got any money?

on August 6,2014 | 03:20PM

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jotobuddy123wrote:

LOL! Jut keep the receipt if you live on Oahu. You can return um since Oahu is in the clear.

on August 6,2014 | 04:07PM

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justmyview371wrote:

Since most of the stores were quickly out of water, it appears that some people were hoarding supplies.

on August 6,2014 | 04:18PM

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justmyview371wrote:

The power goes out whenever there is a storrm. I remember it going out due to an earthquake ion the Big Island. No lights, no TV, no refrigerator, no cooking, no fun!

on August 6,2014 | 04:22PM

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Publicbraddahwrote:

Costco should NOT accept returns on water after the event is over. They lose money because they cannot resell it. Either that or limit the cases of water to 3.

on August 6,2014 | 05:01PM

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Publicbraddahwrote:

Folks, back along the coast of Mexico, there's a cluster of small storms forming and moving north. Some meteorologists are theorizing that these cluster of storms will form one large hurricane. Best to keep your eyes open.

on August 6,2014 | 05:04PM

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hikinewrote:

There are other ways of saving water. Fill up your empty 2 liter soda bottles, fill up your used milk and/or juice containers, used water bottles and coolers. People depend too much on bulk buying but forget the containers already available in their houses. Leave some water for those who really needs them!

on August 6,2014 | 11:57PM

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HAJAA1wrote:

EVERYONE JUST REMEMBER THIS: Kmart in Kapolei was charging $13 for a case of bottled water today. Isn't there some kind of law against that? "Weather" there is one or not, I will remember what Kmart did to the customers of Hawaii. Auwe all the way!! I think I'll pass Kmart when out shopping from now on.

on August 7,2014 | 12:20AM

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HAJAA1wrote:

The Kmart on Nimitz did the same thing today. STAY AWAY FROM KMART.

on August 7,2014 | 12:24AM

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st1dwrote:

during a declared state of emergency it's illegal to introduce price gouging.

problem is, the governor has to issue that declaration of emergency.

on the other hand, raising prices deters hoarders like jeanie cline and allows more goods to be available to all.